Colonoscopic retrieval of an appendiceal foreign body: prophylaxis for appendicitis?

Management of orally ingested foreign bodies usually consists of endoscopic retrieval while the objects reside within the esophagus or stomach. Although most foreign bodies that pass through the pylorus will be excreted without incident, some may become impacted distally, resulting in obstruction or perforation. Appendiceal foreign bodies have been reported rarely, yet have resulted in the development of acute appendicitis. We report the case of a young male who swallowed a nail that became impacted in the appendiceal lumen and was retrieved colonoscopically before the development of acute appendicitis.